After having six days off Florida Atlantic hit the hardwood once again, this time hosting Manhattan (5-2). The Owls are hosting their Thanksgiving Classic which includes the Jaspers and the Austin Peay Governors. In the first contest of the tournament, FAU earned a commanding victory over Manhattan, ending the Jaspers five game winning streak.
First Half
Starting the game off strong was Florida Atlantic as Jada Moore and Stefanie Ingram (pictured below, FAU) converted on two layups, taking an early 4-0 advantage. FAU stretched their lead to six at 8-2, before the Jaspers brought the game within one at 11-10, Owls. The Squads then traded buckets as the first quarter ended 15-12 in favor of Florida Atlantic.
FAU’s Erin Rodgers and Mya Perry scored the second quarters first five points as the Owls lead reached eight, 20-12. Once again, Manhattan tightend the contest thanks to a 10-2 run, 22-20 Florida Atlantic. With 4:54 remaining in the half, it was a seven point lead for FAU, 29-22. Layups by the Owls’ Ta’ziah Jenks and the Jaspers’ Brianna Davis kept the contest at a seven-point deficit at the half, 31-24 FAU.
At the end of the half, the two squads had less than a 40 FG% as neither team could find consistency from the floor.
Second Half
Florida Atlantic stretched their lead to 12 to begin the second half. A Manhattan tip-in followed by a Maria Myklebust (pictured top, FAU) three-pointer stood as the last five-points for the following 2:40 as at the media timeout FAU led 41-28. The final 3:57 remaining in the third saw a lot of action as the Jaspers and Owls traded multiple buckets closing out the half with the Owls lead cut to eight, 52-44.
The fourth quarter opened with a Jaspers layup as Manhattan cut the deficit to only six. Florida Atlantic responded though, going on a 13-0 run stretching their advantage to 19. MU tried digging out of the deficit, but fell short as FAU won 65-50.
Freshman Erin Rodgers scored 14 points leading the Owls in scoring while also pulling down eight boards. Moore, Perry, and Mykleburst each earned 11 points. Ingram led the Owls in assists with seven as FAU earned 13 assists. Alana Rouser led Florida Atlantic in rebounds earning nine as the Owls accumulated 49.
Look Ahead
Florida Atlantic (5-2) will take Saturday off before facing off against Austin Peay (2-3) on Sunday. The Governors will face-off against Manhattan before playing the Owls. Austin Peay and FAU have both played against Mercer as the two squads earned victories over the Bears. Tip-off between the Owls and the Governors will be on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
